History of the Mountain Top Fire Company

The Mountain Top Fire Company was organized in 1927 in response to a series of three fires that occurred in one night, affecting the Twigg Store, Wilson home, and the Barnett Store. The company was officially incorporated in 1928. The Harbison Walker Brick Company generously donated the land for the fire company’s current location. Initially, the company operated with only 8-10 round-bottom buckets and a ladder, all stored in a one-car garage behind the RJ Barnett Store. The company’s first "fire truck" was a 1924 Page automobile, donated by Cobb Pfouts, which was retrofitted with a chemical tank, ladder hooks, and space for the buckets.

The first permanent structure for the fire company was a hay barn located in the nearby Mulligan Hollow area. This barn, purchased for $80, was dismantled and reassembled at the fire company’s current location. This original building now serves as the two-bay garage for the fire trucks.

First Officers:

• President: Charles Gearhart
• Vice President: Forest Gill
• Secretary: J.C. Malaker
• Treasurer: Paul Vaughn
• Trustees: R.J. Barnett, J.W. Merryman, Edman Faust
• Chief: John Henry
• Assistant Chiefs: James Moore, S.H. Swope

Company Highlights:

• October 20, 1929: The first carnival was held at Retort Park.
• October 25, 1929: The first meeting took place in the newly constructed firehouse.
• March 13, 1944: Junior firemen were first accepted, beginning at the age of 16.
• August 1944: The company held its first public dinner, charging $1.00 for adults and $0.55 for children.
• March 13, 1950: A motion was introduced to return the fire company to Harbison Walker due to lack of interest.
• March 27, 1950: A special re-organizational meeting rescinded the motion, ensuring the fire company continued operations.
• May 8, 1950: The Ladies Auxiliary was formed to support the company.
• September 1, 1950: The company’s carnival generated a profit of $1,052.91.
• December 1950: The first Christmas treats were distributed to children, and fruit baskets were given to the sick and needy.
• July 3, 1952: The first brand-new fire truck, a 1952 Central mounted on a Chevrolet chassis, was acquired.
• January 12, 1953: The Fire Police unit was officially organized.
• June 8, 1953: The total membership reached 151.
• October 16, 1961: The first ambulance, a Packard, was purchased for $400.
• April 12, 1971: The company hosted its first of many country music shows, featuring the Blue Ridge Quartet.
• June 17, 1971: A motion to construct a new addition to the firehouse was approved.
• November 13, 1972: The fire company-owned community park was opened.
• August 1982: One ambulance was relocated to Osceola Mills at the local fire station.
• June 28, 1982: Construction began on an addition to the company’s meeting room.
• November 28, 1983: Dispatch services were transferred to Centre County in State College.
• June 6, 1985: The old schoolhouse burned down.
• June 24, 1985: Hydraulic rescue tools were purchased and put into service.
• November 25, 1986: The first aerial ladder truck in the Moshannon Valley was put into service.
• June 22, 1990: The current Osceola Mills ambulance station was purchased.

This timeline highlights the commitment and growth of the Mountain Top Fire Company, reflecting its dedication to serving the community through both emergency response and community engagement initiatives.